The Texas Legislature continues to make changes in the
juvenile justice system, and courts must handle juvenile cases in
line with these changing laws. Juvenile justice is a large and
complex area of work for our County Courts-at-Law, and I’m very
familiar with these issues due to practicing juvenile law for
several years. As a judge, I’m using the authority provided under
the law to do everything I can to help put young people back on the
right track. I remember what it was like being a teenager, and I’m
working closely with other agencies that deal with juveniles to seek
innovative solutions to problems such as truancy and juvenile
delinquency.

Improving Efficiency

I’ve begun investigating ways to streamline the court’s
handling of cases to make it more effective. One of my first
priorities after being sworn in was to thoroughly examine the docket
and make some necessary adjustments, as well as review court
procedures. I have a good working relationship with agencies such as
the D.A.’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office that constantly
participate in the court. I’m also considering creating a separate
docket for civil and probate cases that could help bring these cases
to trial or resolution more swiftly, and free people involved in
those cases from having to wait around the courtroom for their
opportunity to be heard.

Continuing the Tradition of Service

Judge Weiser took pride in presiding over
a courtroom that functioned smoothly, and I want to continue and
build on the standard of service that’s been set in this court.
Judge Weiser’s ideas and guidance have shaped many attorneys in our
community, and I learned a great deal from practicing and trying
cases before her.

A Working Judge for a Working Court

The vast majority of cases in
our County Courts-at-Law are criminal and juvenile law cases, and
these are two areas of law that I practiced frequently before taking
the bench. I’ve always been a courtroom attorney, which meant trying
cases, representing clients, and working in our courts and local
justice system day in and day out. I’m very familiar with how our
courts operate, and how to work effectively in them. This courtroom
familiarity helped make for a smooth transition onto the bench. Due
to this experience, there weren’t costly delays or case backlogs
from needing to be trained to know what to do in the courtroom. A
working court deserves a working judge, and I have the experience,
work ethic, and common sense to continue being an effective judge.